5 local governments make emergency declarations

Four Michigan counties and one township have declared emergencies following an ice storm that left nearly 600,000 homes and businesses across the state without power.

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By AP

Ionia Sentinel - Standard-Ionia, MI

By AP

Posted Dec. 27, 2013 at 4:48 PM

By AP

Posted Dec. 27, 2013 at 4:48 PM

LANSING, Mich.

Four Michigan counties and one township have declared emergencies following an ice storm that left nearly 600,000 homes and businesses across the state without power. The move makes them eligible for state aid, although no formal requests have been received in Lansing. Barry, Clinton, Eaton and Shiawassee counties, along with Delta Township in Eaton County, have made local emergency declarations. The number of customers still without power in Michigan had been reduced to about 60,000 by Friday afternoon. State officials say Consumers Energy and the Lansing Board of Water & Light expect to have power restored by Saturday night, while DTE Energy is looking at full restoration by Friday night.